Wednesday, October 8, 2014

SAFETY FIRST (Hazards and Precautions around Solar PV System)

Solar PV system like other other electrical systems is safe when operating correctly. However, they may cause trouble when the system is suffering from malfunction. Such hazard may cause simple electric shock to deadly electrocution. Also there are some potentially dangerous hazards associated with some components.



·         SAFETY AROUND SOLAR PANELS
The owner of the system must not undertake any maintenance of the solar modules except simple cleaning.

Hazards related to solar panels
§  Many numbers of solar panels of lower voltage may be connected in series as per the system design and requirement to get higher voltage. While the lower DC voltage up to 48V does not possess potentially high danger of electric shock, the system above 48Vdc may give electric shock in wet unprotected condition.
§  Falling off roof while working
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
§  Always wear insulated boots before working with connection of solar panels.
If the system is above 120V dc then, compulsorily wear insulated boots before working with the connection of solar panels.
The outer body of solar panels is well insulated and grounded in case of any leakage.
§  Do not leave any part of the wire connection outside junction/connection box without insulation.
§  Support yourself correctly while working with solar panels in case of narrow/difficult place.

·         Safety Around Battery Bank
The owner of the system must not undertake any maintenance to battery bank of 120V Dc or above.

Hazards related to Lead acid battery bank
§  explosion due to Hydrogen gas
§  Burning caused by dil. sulphuric acid in cells of battery
§  Shorting of positive and negative terminals leading to fire hazards
§  Electrocution caused by battery bank of 120V or above

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
§  Do not wear any metallic objects like bracelets, chains, watches, etc while working near the battery. It may accidently short circuit the battery terminal and cause unrecoverable damages.
§  Be careful while using metallic objects and tools not to cause short circuit between the terminals of battery. Battery has very high energy density and may cause huge loss with fire hazards and explosion
§  Do not work in vicinity of battery bank if there is strong smell of Sulphuric Acid
§  Do not smoke near the battery bank
§  Do not cause any flame near the battery bank. Hydrogen is highly combustible gas.
§  Protect your clothes from spilling acids like acid resistant aprons while working near battery bank
§  Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. In case your eyes get contaminated with acid, rinse it with clean water and seek the medical attention immediately.
§  Use baking (bicarbonate) soda to neutralize the spilled acid or cure the acid burn.
§  Seek the immediate medical attention along with first aid in case of electrocution.
§  Keep the room well ventilated


Safety Around balance of system (Bos) components
Balance of System(BOS) components includes the power conditioning and control unit of the system. The main BOS components in Solar PV System are Solar Charge Controller and DC to AC Inverter.

Hazards related to bos components
§  Electrocution due to leakage current
§  Electrocution due to insulation failure

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
§  Follow the recommendations provided in manual of BOS components

§  Always keep the area clean and dry





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